VIRGINIA BEACH
New Realm Brewing Co.
Nearly 450 attendees gathered on April 27 to raise money for the Virginia Beach Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (VBSPCA) and the animals without homes in their care. The gala’s theme this year was “Sunset Speakeasy,” and guests came appropriately decked to the nines in finery and flapper-era fashion. It was an evening of glitz, glamor, and animal-loving guests coming together for a common goal, with casino games, live music, delicious food, and adoptable animals. As the nonprofit’s largest fundraising event of the year, it raised more than $300,000—an amount that is critical to maintaining the quality of the shelter’s services.
“This year’s Wags and Whiskers Gala was a huge success, all thanks to the support of our community,” says Mandi Kowaleski, VBSPCA director of marketing and communications. “We are grateful for the guests, sponsors, volunteers, and staff members who came together for an unforgettable evening that benefitted animals in need of a second chance.”
Barbara Taylor Creech and Mary Donnan Harrison, recipients of the 2024 VBSPCA Lifesaver Award, at the Wags & Whiskers Gala.
Lexie Barker-Taplett
addressing the crowd. Charles Barker Automotive served as the event’s presenting sponsor.
VBSPCA board chair Angie Lombardi
(The Franklin-Johnston Group), VBSPCA CEO Derby Brackett, and board member and gala chair Leila Bradley (TowneBank).
Don Monteaux Photography
This article originally appeared in the October 2024 issue.
